This new WhatsApp update will finally let you “unsend” embarrassing messages

Back in November, we brought you the news that you were finally able to unsend embarrassing emails sent on your smartphone. But while that feature might offer some relief when it comes to salvaging misspelled work missives, the truth is that the majority of us save our most personal – and therefore most potentially embarrassing – messages for WhatsApp.

Whether it’s an instantly-regretted kiss-off to a former flame or a tipsy photo accidentally posted on the family group chat, the ubiquitous instant messaging app provides fertile ground for slipping up.

Thankfully, the company now appears to be testing a feature that would allow users to “revoke” messages – deleting them from a receiver’s phone before they have had the chance to read them.

WhatsApp is developing the function as part of the beta version of its latest update, according to monitors WABetaInfo. The tech monitor posted a screenshot of a test of the new beta version on Twitter, stating that WhatsApp had introduced “many improvements for the revoke feature and you’ll be able to unsend messages sent within five minutes”.

WhatsApp Web 0.2.4077: many improvements for the revoke feature & you'll be able to unsend messages sent within 5 minutes (DISABLED NOW). pic.twitter.com/2qj28JEwyi

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Moya Crockett

Moya is Women’s Editor at stylist.co.uk, where she is currently overseeing the Visible Women campaign. As well as writing about inspiring women and feminism, she also covers subjects including careers, podcasts and politics. Carrying a tiny bottle of hot sauce on her person at all times is one of the many traits she shares with both Beyoncé and Hillary Clinton.